Massachusetts Trees For Sale

Buying Trees and Shrubs in Massachusetts

The Bay State is home to the American Elm, which before the infection of Dutch Elm Disease, sometimes grew to well over 100 feet tall. A deciduous hermaphroditic tree, the American Elm has withstood the effects of the disease, partially because Dutch Elem Disease resistant trees do occur and because the tree is naturally hardy, often suffering temperatures as low as -44°F. The canopy arches outward and is insensitive to changing sunlight hours, shedding leaves only once the first frost has arrived. Native throughout Eastern North American, The American Elm grows as far north as Nova Scotia, as far west as Montana, and as far south as Florida. Although the American Elm would make a strong addition to any yard, the Massachusetts planter has many options to choose from when planting a new tree.

Due to its small size, diverse topography, and seasonal temperature variations, the smart Massachusetts grower will need to consider the following:

Climate

Soil Type

Average Precipitation

Irrigation

Growing Zones

Weather Damage

Best Trees for Massachusetts

Read about the specifics for your state in the following sections. If you’re looking for some quick ideas on what to plant, consider the following trees as expert-tested and The Tree Center approved:

A state that without doubt deserves its millions of residents, Massachusetts is continuing to attract new inhabitants from other parts of the United States. Although a boon for the local economy, new infrastructure can be invasive and annoying. Solutions exist for prying eyes and sound-producing highways. Trees that are cultivated to form protective barriers, better known as ‘privacy trees’ can be planted to afford the Massachusetts yard the solitude and peace it deserves.

Although there are many privacy trees the Massachusetts planter may plant, none is as fitting as the Willow Hybrid. The Willow Hybrid grow quickly, at upwards of 6 feet a year, and provides fast-growing privacy. Unlike many privacy tree species, the Willow Hybrid is not an evergreen but a subset of the willow, providing a unique barrier against intrusions of every kind. The Willow Hybrid is not the only option to choose from in Massachusetts. Alternatively, consider the Thuja Green Giant or Juniper ‘Witchita Blue’.

Climate

Massachusetts’ climate is characterized as humid continental. Hot summers and cold winters typify this state, with distinct spring and fall seasons as well. As such, temperatures range widely. The summer average high is 82°F and the average low is 16°F, but extremes exist on both ends. The record high was set in 1911 at 104°F and the record low was set in 1934 at -18°F. Temperatures vary across the state, too. The Atlantic Ocean and Bay area have a mitigating effect on extreme temperatures, meaning milder winters and cooler summers. In the west, the Berkshire Mountains often cool both seasons significantly. Central Massachusetts, centering around Worcester, tends to have extremes on both ends.

Soil Type

Most trees require well-drained soil rich with minerals to grow. Paxton soil covers the state of Massachusetts. The dense, deep soil is outstanding in use as a fertilizer, and it has a large capacity for water. Regardless of the property’s location in The Bay State, a soon-to-be tree planter can perform a simple test to determine his/her soil type.

The test requires a handful of fresh soil from the layer just below the top. It should be damp but not wet. The tester should hold the soil in the palm of his/her hand and, not surprisingly, squeeze. The squeeze will produce one of three events.

1. The soil will hold its shape, likely forming a snake. If you touch the snake, the soil will maintain its original shape. You have CLAY.
2. The soil will hold its shape, likely forming a snake. If you touch the snake, the soil will collapse. You have LOAM.
3. The soil will fall apart as you open your hands. You have SAND.

Once you know what soil type you have, you can find trees best suited to the dirt’s properties. Loam is the best soil to have, as its unique qualities make it ideal for holding and transferring water to trees.

Average Precipitation

Massachusetts receives even amounts of rain throughout the year, with slightly more falling in the winter. The Bay State receives, on average, 50 inches of rain annually. Rain falls more in the east along the coastline, especially on the Cape. This is due to storms from Atlantic Ocean.

Irrigation

Newly planted trees require consistent and controlled access to water. The use of irrigation can be beneficial in this sense, as it both takes on the manual task and makes the task itself more efficient. When planting new trees in Massachusetts, consider drip or sprinkler systems that can be helpful for ensuring successful growth of your tree. Although Massachusetts receives 50 inches of rain annually, summers can have several dry days in a row, with temperatures over 90°F.

Growing Zones

Massachusetts’ growing zones move in lateral bands across the state. A growing zone simply refers to the USDA’s determination of areas where certain plants are most likely to thrive, preferring to focus on minimal temperature ranges in which a plant can survive. In the far southeast of the state, along Cape Cod and the Islands, Massachusetts’ residents can expect temperatures to reach only 0°F. On the other hand, temperatures can drop well below zero, sometimes as low as -25°F, in the Berkshire Mountains to the west. Most of central Massachusetts should expect temperatures to drop only down to -15°F for extended lengths of time.

Weather Damage

Massachusetts, like most of the east coast, is prone to Nor’easters and Hurricanes. Typically, the Cape and the Islands receive the brunt of the storm, which has often mellowed by the time it reaches inland areas. Nor’easters hit in the winter, and they often dump feet of snow on the state, sometimes leaving over 30 inches in one storm. Hurricanes hit as well, coming up from the Gulf along the east coast. These are often weaker and cause minor flooding and property damage, though Category 5 hurricanes have hit in the past. Additionally, tornadoes can touch down in the area, too, despite its hilly topography. Although rare, tornadoes are infrequent visitors primarily to central Massachusetts.

Massachusetts State Tree

Scientific Name: Ulmus AmericanaCommon Name: American Elm

Massachusetts State Soil

Paxton Soil

Massachusetts State Flag

Massachusetts State Seal

List Of Nurseries and Garden Centers in Massachusetts

If you prefer to purchase your trees or shrubs in person instead of online, we offer this comprehensive guide to purchasing a tree at your local Massachusetts nursery or garden center. However, since we don’t actually live in Massachusetts we can’t guarantee this list to be 100% accurate – but we did attempt to be as accurate as we possibly could. We have no affiliation with any of the businesses listed below and make no guarantees as to the businesses’ ability or the quality of trees you will receive. As with any purchase you make, be sure to check out the business with the Better Business Bureau, references, and any other sources you may have.